I read voraciously (working in a bookstore encourages that kind of behavior). I devour books and magazines on a variety of topics, but I especially love finding good writing on art. One of the downsides to a lot of art related literature out there is that it's so esoteric, with passages filled with words that go over the majority of peoples' heads. What's the point of trying to read something if it requires a four year degree in art history and a dictionary at hand? Not fun, not helpful, not truly informative if you don't get what the author is trying to say.
One of my favorite art publications out there is American Craft Magazine. I will rip through a whole issue in one sitting because it's so enjoyable to read. The articles appeal to both the novice and the expert. I learn something new every issue. With a simple, uncluttered layout and lots of gorgeous pictures, it's eye candy for the artistically inclined. I like how the articles are written in clear, understandable, to the point language. You walk away with a deeper understanding of each profiled artist and their work. The articles are short and sweet with lots of history and background information. It's not only about the "what", but also "how" and "why". Here's an artist, see nice pictures of their work, now here's an explanation of what you're looking at--what inspires the artist, their ideas and intentions, what they want to accomplish with their art.
American Craft also publicizes and reviews exhibits from around the country. As much as I wish I could travel to experience the art in person, the summaries are a decent substitute. The reviews also help you become more aware of the not-so-well-known museums, galleries and artists. There have been quite a few times where a picture has caught my eye and the review piques my curiosity, and I discover a new artist to admire.
I found the magazine's website a bit cumbersome to navigate at first. You have to scroll down a bit to find the links for the different categories. I think the headings aren't always clear enough to tell you what that department is about, but if you take time to browse around you'll find some good information.
American Craft is published by the American Craft Council, located here in Minneapolis. Their goal with the magazine is to celebrate "the modern makers who shape the world around us. Presenting unknown innovators and artistic stalwarts, American Craft connects the disparate worlds of art, industry, fashion, architecture and design, giving an entirely new voice to the craft community. The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft."
